VANCOUVER – Premier Gordon
Campbell congratulated Trail native Jason Bay on being voted the National
League Rookie of the Year today. Bay is the first Canadian-born player to win
the annual award from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

“I know all
British Columbians, especially in the great community of Trail, are proud of
Jason Bay’s success, sportsmanship and commitment to excellence,” Campbell
said. “It’s a reminder to all young athletes across the province that if you
dream big, stay dedicated, and commit to your goals, you can make it to the top
of the big leagues in whatever sport you pursue.”

The
26-year-old Bay is the first Canadian native, the first Trail native, and the
first member of the Pittsburgh Pirates to be voted National League Rookie of
the Year. The Pittsburgh outfielder was a member of the 1996 Canadian Junior
Olympic Team and played for Canada at the 1990 Little League World Series. This
season, despite missing the first month due to injury, Bay led all Major League
rookies with 26 home runs – the most by a National League rookie in 37 years.

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